The Crystal Palace Market

Good change

I have lived in Crystal Palace for over 18 years now and it’s an area that has changed so much. Back in 1998, there was a McDonalds, Pizza Hut and Woolworths. Traditional pubs were the popular place for locals to get together around the Crystal Palace triangle.

Nowadays things look very different and in a positive way. There are now many lovely cafes, different types of restaurants and gastro pubs which all add to a big feeling of community. One of the best additions to this has been The Crystal Palace Market. A Noddle Time used to be what was there before and I use to visit it a lot, making it my favourite Chinese. However, over time, I could sense that it wasn’t the most popular of places in the area, unfortunately.

Something new

After a long period closure, The Crystal Palace Market was born and from its appearance, it looked like a unique offering to the area. Alongside the dining space, were a butcher and fishmongers, things you don’t see much of these days. Observing it over a period of time, I thought it was somewhere that focused on quality local fresh food. I wasn’t too far wrong.

“The Crystal Palace Market is an innovative culinary concept that genuinely believes in healthy, fresh and flavoursome food. That’s why we give food the respect it deserves by simply grill-searing our fish, meat and chicken to lock in the natural flavours that come from sourcing the best local ingredients.”

Ever since it’s opening I have always seen it very busy. That usually creates an impression of somewhere, it appears to be extremely popular. However, for a long time, I was not one of those who visited. Earlier this year I met up with a friend for a catch-up and we both thought it was time to go here.

Menu

The look is all geared towards being a mix of natural and polished. It feels like a place that knows what its concept is and pushes to enhance that through its décor, furniture and food. The menu is printed and updated every day on a thick wooden clipboard. I will say that the prices are at the higher end of what is on offer in the area. You could be paying £14 – £25 for the main course. What you are getting for this price though is quality food.

The mains are split between fish and meat with lots of range on both sides. On my two visits, I have ordered fish because having fishmongers by the dining area was attractive in a way, plus I tend to not order fish when I go out for dinner.

My choices

Starter

Artichoke, Buffalo mozzarella

Mains

Whole Rainbow Trout

Dessert

Panna Cotta

Drink

Strawberry Lemonade

My verdit

There’s no doubt that The Crystal Palace Market has left its unique mark in this part of south London. Its niche concept is original and makes it stand out amongst the competition. A restaurant should stand out because of its food and here it most definitely does. With a bar to offer as well, The Crystal Palace Market is definitely a place to check out in the heart of south London.